Integrity is a hardcore punk band originally from Cleveland, Ohio but based in Belgium since 2003.[1][2] It was formed in 1988 by lead vocalist Dwid Hellion.[3]
The band plays punk, hardcore, and metal-related music, and has released nearly 50[quantify] recordings since 1988 as well as playing at hundreds[quantify] of shows including numerous global festival appearances. Their sound is a mix of noise, punk, blues, hardcore and heavy metal, with influences including industrial, noise and experimental music. Lyrical themes include religion, the supernatural, art, philosophy, horror, as well as mental illness and the occult.
According to its bio on Relapse Records website, Integrity was formed in Cleveland in 1988 and is considered to be one of the first bands to mix metal and hardcore in a way that would later become popular.
Hellion has also had numerous side projects, including his electronic project, Psywarfare[4] and horror-themed, Vermapyre. He has also worked with the band Enforced.[5]
In July 2017, Hellion was featured on the cover of Decibel magazine, No. 153. He is quoted as saying "I do not listen to much new music. When I need a new album to listen to, I make one."[6] Previously, in 2013, Integrity's Systems Overload (1995, Victory Records) was featured in the Decibel "Hall of Fame". In feature, the album is referred to as "the landmark work in a grand and heretical oeuvre".[7]
